Small study suggests personalized therapy may reduce memory loss

Robert Kneschke / Robert Kneschke - Fotolia

Robert Kneschke / Robert Kneschke - Fotolia

Ana P. DeLaneSenior Helpers of Orlando Team Member

Two small but impactful studies are giving researchers some renewed hope in using new strategies and programs that may help delay cognitive decline, and, in some cases, even reverse memory loss in some individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies are providing evidence that an intensive lifestyle program along with the inclusion of cognitive training, exercise, and dietary changes may help delay or even reverse some symptoms associated with cognitive decline. In another study, findings suggest that reasoning training strategies may also benefit some individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Study shows reversal of memory loss following individualized program

A small trial led by Dale Bredesen, M.D., of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, found that an intensive and personalized therapy program was able to reverse cognitive decline and memory loss in some individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The report, published June 12, 2016, in the journal Aging, found that some cognitive decline symptoms were reversed in a small group of adults (49 to 74 years) taking part in the personalized therapy program known as metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND).

According to the study, individuals were treated from 5 to 24 months using the metabolic programmatic approach. The intensive 36-point individualized therapy program included some of the following: dietary modifications, sleep improvement, physical exercise, brain stimulation program along with the inclusion of supplements and medications.

This research was a joint effort by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and the UCLA Easton Laboratories for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, according to a press release. This study may show great promise; however, the study was very small and only included 10 participants.

Strategic reasoning training improves executive function

The findings associated with a pilot study published April 26, 2016, in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, found that a “strategy-based reasoning training” helped enhance executive function and cognitive capacity in a small group of participants with mild cognitive impairment.

Some of the areas of focus included strategic concentration and integrative reasoning training. This study was a combined effort by researchers from the Center for Brain Health, the University of Texas at Dallas and the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Study participants included 50 adults from 54 to 94 years of age who were randomly selected to take part in the strategy-based training group or a "new learning" control group.

The strategy-based training group presented improvements in abstract thinking and in areas of executive function, which are essential and crucial components to daily functioning. This small study suggests that higher-level reasoning training or “gist training” may improve strategic attention and executive function in some individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

Steps you can take to enhance cognitive health

Older adults and retirees can take steps to enhance cognitive health by making lifestyle changes. The following are suggestions that may help you and your loved ones get started on a healthy plan of action:

Maintain a healthy and balanced diet; include fish, a variety of green leafy vegetables, fruits, (include berries), whole grains and nuts. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new diet. Also, watch for new food allergies and possible food-drug interactions. If possible, ask your physician to refer you to a registered dietitian to help set healthy nutritional goals.

Participate in daily aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and a healthy brain. Contact a licensed and certified trainer to schedule training sessions and to help you set fitness goals. Before starting any exercise program consult with your physician; ask about wellness programs that meet brain healthy and heart-healthy goals.

Stay socially involved and engaged with friends and family.

Identify sleep problems and consult with your physician or specialist about ways to optimize and improve your sleep.

Maintain and enhance cognitive health by taking on new and challenging activities. Sign up for a new art class, a computer coding class, or learn how to play a musical instrument. Challenge yourself!

Most of these strategies for improving cognitive function have been incorporated into the activities at Winter Park’s BrainFlex Wellness Club, located at Winter Park Village inside the Senior Helpers offices. For more information about BrainFlex, please visit www.brainflexwellness.com or call 407-699-0050.

Another resource is Senior Helpers of Orlando, which provides in-home care for seniors, many of whom benefit from an industry-leading program for Alzheimer’s and dementia care called Senior GEMS. For more information about its services, please visit www.seniorhelpers.com/Orlando or call Senior Helpers of Orlando at (407) 818-1308. We will be glad to schedule a meeting and discuss our services, at your earliest convenience.

Buck Institute for Research on Aging. "Pre and post testing show reversal of memory loss from Alzheimer's disease in 10 patients: Small trial succeeds using systems approach to memory disorders." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, published June 16, 2016; retrieved July 1, 2016, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160616071933.htm

Senior Helpers Orlando, whose owners started the company after less-than-satisfactory experiences with in-home care services for their parents, has provided outstanding service to hundreds of families in the area. Specializing in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Senior Helpers offers this blog to help families gain a better understanding of the health care needs of their senior loved ones and how to best care for them. For more information on how Senior Helpers Orlando can assist your family, please call us at (407) 818-1308 or visit seniorhelpers.com/orlando.